A bill by Sen. John Cooke, R-Greeley, to protect rural communities from wildfire passed the Senate unanimously Thursday.

Forest fires are a persistent threat in Colorado, and Senate Bill 50 would help prevent the damage and devastation left in their wake, according to a news release from the Colorado Senate Republicans.

Senate Bill 50 would merge two existing grants to provide continuous funding to rural communities at persistent risk of destructive wildfire. Because the bill passed out of the Senate, it will move to the House for further consideration.

"Consolidating these grants will help rural Colorado communities continue to reduce risks posed by wildfire and establish forward-looking land stewardship practices," said Cooke, Colorado Senate majority whip. "Wildfires are a constant threat to Colorado, and we will continue to take steps to protect people, property and firefighters from the dangers fires present."